My big cheeks make me feel fat!

May 27, 2008

"I have a big problem with my cheeks. My family always makes comments about how big they are, and it makes me feel fat. Am I overreacting?" — Elvisa, 16, Antelope, CA

Elvisa, I don't think you are overreacting – I think it's hard to be teased by family members because they are usually the closest to us and because of that, they sometimes don't understand how sensitive we can be to their comments. So if you haven't already, try telling your family that you want them to stop making comments about your cheeks and that it hurts your feelings. Try not to focus on the 'size' of your cheeks but rather your smile – do you smile with confidence? Do you like who you are? Don't fixate on your cheeks – it's just one part of your face – and the feeling of 'fat' that you describe – my hunch is that it's more about feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed at the ribbing from your family and you just don't know how to say what you feel. It is easier to feel 'fat' than express that you are angry or upset.